The Latics have taken 11 points from as many games so far this term, but Martinez believes their performances have not been reflected in the points tally.

Martinez takes his side to Liverpool on Saturday, and he is confident they will not leave Anfield empty-handed.

"It has been a good start to the season in terms of the way we are playing," he said. "I think we have been able to carry on with the level we showed last season.

"But I don't think we are there yet in terms of getting the results our performances deserve, and that is something we need to work on. Sometimes it is not good just to play well - we need to get the positive results.

"The moment we do that, we are capable of finishing in the top half of the table, but at the moment, I think we need to work extremely hard on certain aspects to be able to look at that."

Wigan owner Dave Whelan was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the North West Football Awards, and Martinez feels it was well deserved.

"I think what he has done is an incredible football journey," Martinez added. "It was a well-deserved award and moment, and I know there are still many good chapters to come from him."

Meanwhile, Wigan centre-half Rob Kiernan has joined League One Brentford on loan until the new year.

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.